Location: Williams County, OH | Metro: Toledo, OH MSA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $129,484 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $188,501 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $1,360 | $186,046 | 0.73% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 43521, which encompasses Fayette, OH, in the Fulton and Williams County metro areas, the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $860. This figure represents the estimated 40th percentile gross rent for standard quality units. In contrast, the Census ACS reports a market rent of $766, indicating that the HUD FMR is higher than the actual market rent.
Voucher tenants in this region will generally cashflow at the FMR rate of $860, given the lower market rent of $766. However, landlords may need to focus on premium units to achieve a marginally better cashflow position, as the difference between the FMR and market rent is significant enough to impact profitability.
The median home value in ZIP 43521 is $159,916. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.54%, suggesting that rental income relative to property values is modest. This ratio indicates that buying a home in this area might be more financially advantageous compared to renting, although it does not consider other factors such as maintenance costs and property taxes.
The data on Days on Market (DOM) and price-cut share is not available, which limits our ability to fully assess the rent-versus-buy dynamics. However, the modest rent-to-price ratio implies that the region offers stability for investors who are looking to hold properties long-term rather than seeking rapid appreciation.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 43521 is likely to be stability. With a relatively low median home value and a modest rent-to-price ratio, this area provides a reliable and predictable investment environment, suitable for those seeking consistent returns without high volatility.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.